Six Women’s Beauty Products Men Love
Photo: Pamela Hanson/Trunk Archive
When it comes to a battle of the sexes, women’s beauty products reign supreme–and not because they’re hogging bathroom space. Men are stealing (ahem, borrowing) shampoo, face wash and moisturizer from the ladies in their lives and liking them. Why not? Grooming should be about which product really gets the job done – not who the product is marketed to.
Related: 7 Gateway Products to Get Your Guy into Grooming
We’re guessing guys are trying a range of items within medicine cabinets, shower bundles, and vanities – but these are, at least, the toiletries they admit to using.
Moisturizer: SimpleSkincare 24HR Day/Night Cream ($11)
Guy or girl, our faces need hydration and this version deeply nourishes skin for up to 24 hours. Perfect for ultra dry, winter skin. Guy bonus: no artificial perfume (so guys won’t smell like their girlfriends).
“After a day of skiing with my wife, we were both complaining about our wind-burned faces, and she recommended I borrow her favorite face cream. It’s great for sensitive, irritated skin. I like the fact that it’s fragrance-free, so I don’t feel so girly using it.” – Ryan, 29, New York City
Body Wash: Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Bath & Body Wash ($30)
For some men, with wives in the beauty industry, there is no escaping product – especially those that clean without drying. This one isn’t just “pretty”, pink pepperpods serve a purpose: they contribute to antioxidant protection.
"It took me a little time to get over the fact that my favorite soap was the brightest, girliest shade of pink out there. But it smells a bit spicy, a bit woodsy, and it doesn’t take much – so it took a while before Marla [Malcolm Beck, CEO of Bluemercury] realized that I was pilfering from her." – Barry Beck, 46, Washington, D.C.
Eyebrow Grooming: Rae Morris Brow Brush ($20)
Waxing, threading, plucking – what’s a guy to do when the shape is right but the hair is uncooperative? Pick up some tools and tame the tiniest hairs.
“I always steal [my lady friend’s] eye brow brush. It’s one of the only things I do to my face because it’s not like I’m using ‘makeup’. It makes so much difference. Eyebrows can get out of control.” – Charlie, 26, New York City
Hair Care: Yes to Carrots Scalp Relief Shampoo and Conditioner ($8 each)
Dudes’ dry scalps, be gone! Tea tree and lemon use their super powers to diminish irritation while Salicylic Acid decreases flaking. Plus it’s 99% natural.
“My girlfriend knows my hair better than me. I use her Yes to Carrots shampoo and conditioner. I can definitely say my hair could now compete with Derek Zoolander, which is important since presentation is key in the music business.” – Jonny, 26, New York City
Wrinkle Smoother: Furlesse ($20/30-day supply)
Even guys don’t like wrinkles. The latex-free, hypoallergenic, and non-invasive face patches are made to fight crow’s feet and nose-to-mouth lines within a few hours.
"I love these because they’re so transparent, my wife doesn’t even know I’m wearing them. Read: She has no idea I stole them from her drawer!" – Alex, 37, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Face Wash: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($28)
Holidays are a time for family, friends and being thankful. It’s also a the occasion to swipe products from your sister’s stash… even if said items are partially intended for makeup removal.
“Initially I grabbed it because it was all I could find while staying at our parent’s house for Christmas. After one use I realized how my skin didn’t feel as dry in the winter weather, and it seemed to make for a smooth shave. So, after that I just put it in my bag to take home.” – Andrew, 30, Indianapolis, IN
